Well if a vegan wears leather, then by default they are not a vegan. But I wouldn't make a big issue about it. You know they are not vegan, they must know they are not really, but if it makes them happy to say they are then, then does it really matter.

Great chance to ask a question I've been meaning to post for a while! Vegans/vegetarians: what do you do about your toddlers' shoes? I'm really struggling to find anything suitable in any high street shops. I don't want to buy online as I think he needs to be measured and fitted. Thanks anyone with an answer.

"Well if a vegan wears leather, then by default they are not a vegan."

So what should they call themselves? You invite them to dinner, they can just say, "By the way, I'm a vegan, will that be a problem?" Do they really have to say, "By the way, I'm a vegan, but in case you're wondering I do have a pair of leather shoes and there is some leather trim on my jeans, but I'd never touch silk, a bit of honey is OK though."? Or should they say, "I don't eat animals or animal products, but I'm not actually a vegan because I own some leather shoes?"

No, they should just say they are vegan. It makes life easier for all those involved when planning what to eat, obviously. I'd only talk about the leather shoes if someone made a comment about it, like the op has today.

I am a vegan and don't eat any animal products. I don't buy any either.

However, you will see me using leather from time to time. The reason for this is I am on a budget and could not afford to replace my wardrobe once I decided to become vegan. So I still have for example a big very useful changing bag that is made of leather, once it is done in I will buy a new one that isn't made of animal products. Hope that makes sense.

@Jacquesie My kids are veggie, like my husband, not vegan like me. As I posted above they have leather shoes for school, there are quite strong shoe rules at two of the three schools they attend. Outside school they tend to wear manmade shoes. But not always. I don't live anywhere near a proper vegan shoeseller and I was never prepared to put my kids in shoes that weren't properly fitted.

There are people who are dietary vegans. I really don't think it's anyone's business if they buy leather. I have SERIOUS problems with people claiming to be vegans or veggies but then eating stuff that isn't, because that can cause problems for other vegans or veggies in the future, but non dietary things? Not my business.